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length for your child. The bag will last many years, and a junior size bag will soon be
outgrown.
The extra long size is usually advertised for those over six feet. However, the extra length
might be appreciated by shorter persons. It just depends on what makes you most
comfortable.
Another dimension to consider is the girth. Girth is the inside space, as measured around
the sleeper's waist area. As noted above, mummy bags have the smallest girth, and
rectangular the largest.
Temperature Rating
Temperature ratings are often advertised by manufacturers - 0 degrees (Fahrenheit), 20
degrees, 40 degrees, etc. Consider these as guidelines only. You may sleep warmer or
cooler than someone else. These guidelines seem to assume that you will also be wearing
warm clothing. You can probably use any bag rated for summer temperatures as you start
out, since you will most likely be camping during the warmer months.
There are several ways to make a bag warmer, other than wearing warmer pajamas. One
common way is to use a "liner" bag. These bags are placed inside you regular sleeping bag,
like adding an extra blanket to your bed. You can buy these bags ready made, or make one
by attaching a blanket inside of the sleeping bag with safety pins. You can also just throw a
blanket over the top of your bag, rather than put it inside. When it is really cold, two
summer bags may be used - one inside the other.
Moral of this story - it's easy to make a bag warmer, so start with a warm weather bag like
a 40 degree rating or warmer, depending on your location.
Insulation Materials
Once upon a time the good bags used prime goose down for insulation. This is still used,
mainly in the highly specialized mountaineering bags where extreme dry cold, and light
weight are the primary considerations. Down's cost and difficulty in washing make it
impractical for most camping.
